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Man United legend Eric Cantona arrested for common assault

Footballing legend Eric Cantona has been arrested and cautioned for common assault.

The 47-year-old was held at lunchtime yesterday in leafy Primrose Hill in London, after he was seen drinking in The Queens pub on Regent's Park Road.

Eric Cantona seen speaking to police in north London Credit: SWNS

Scotland Yard did not name the former Manchester United star, but said in a statement:

"Police were called to Regent's Park Road, NW1, at 12.55pm on Wednesday, March 12, following reports of an assault.

"Officers from Camden borough attended and a man in his mid-40s was arrested on suspicion of common assault.

"He was taken into custody and subsequently cautioned for common assault. The victim, a man, did not require medical assistance at the scene."

– Scotland Yard

Eric Cantona, Manchester United Credit: PA

Cantona's agent in Paris refused to comment.

A builder, who did not want to be named, said he had seen Cantona at The Queens at midday and that he had appeared sober and happy, chatting with friends and having a beer.

A barmaid also denied that there had been any disturbance at the pub.

Other shop workers in the road saw the footballer-turned-actor but not any fight.

The ex-French international displayed his fiery temper when he infamously launched a kung-fu style kick at Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons after being dismissed in a Premiership match at Selhurst Park in January 1995.

Cantona was later banned for nine months from football worldwide and ordered to do 120 hours community service .

Cantona banned after kicking Crystal Palace fan in 1995 Credit: PA

He famously told journalists after his successful appeal: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”

Cantona played for Manchester United for six years in the 1990s, scoring 64 goals for the club.